Pathogen mitigation

ABSTRACT

The mitigation of indoor pathogens comprises quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, the amount of total pathogens in the air and on surfaces within an indoor environment. Moreover, the process comprises sanitizing the indoor environment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environment when it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated. Also, the process comprises installing a purification device within a contaminated area of the indoor environment, and monitoring continuously, the indoor environment after sanitizing, for pathogens. Still further, the process comprises releasing a purifying agent upon detecting pathogens in the indoor environment, and providing periodic maintenance to the purification device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/938,394, filed Mar. 28, 2018, entitled PATHOGEN MITIGATION, nowallowed, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/477,724, filed Mar. 28, 2017, entitled PATHOGEN MITIGATION,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to pathogenmitigation, and more particularly to systems and processes for thedetection, reduction, and prevention of pathogens located in indoorenvironments.

Pathogens such as mold, mildew, or viruses can be found throughoutnumerous environments that are frequently encountered by people.Moreover, these pathogens have been linked to illnesses and allergysymptoms that affect some people exposed to such environments.Unfortunately, attempts to remove pathogens can, in some cases, resultin the spread of the pathogens further contaminating the associatedenvironment. Even after removal, pathogens may resurface, making thetreatment of pathogens difficult and often ineffective.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a process for mitigatingindoor pathogens comprises measuring for pathogens in an indoorenvironment and analyzing the measurements to identify whether theindoor environment is contaminated by pathogens based upon thedetection. The process also comprises performing a purification processin response to determining that the indoor environment is contaminated.Here, the purification process comprises sanitizing at least a portionof the indoor environment to mitigate contamination by the detectedpathogens. The purification process also comprises selecting apurification unit for the indoor environment based upon the identifiedcontamination. Responsive thereto, the purification unit is positionedin a suitable location in order to treat a predetermined area of theindoor environment. In this regard, the purification unit is engaged tooperate after sanitizing the indoor environment and may run, forexample, in a continuous manner, in an otherwise ongoing fashion,periodically, or otherwise as necessary, depending upon requirements forpurification. The process still further comprises monitoring the indoorenvironment by measuring for pathogens in the indoor environment (e.g.,in an ongoing manner), and triggering an action in response to detectinga pathogen level that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

According to further aspects of the present invention, a process formitigating indoor pathogens comprises identifying a first occurrence ofpathogens in an indoor environment by measuring for pathogens in theindoor environment. The process also comprises removing the firstoccurrence of pathogens by sanitizing the indoor environment where thefirst occurrence of pathogen is located. The process also comprisesinstalling a purification unit in a suitable location to purify theindoor environment. The process still further comprises monitoring theindoor environment for a second occurrence of pathogens by continuously(e.g., ongoing periodic, ongoing triggered, or otherwise initiated)measuring for pathogens in the indoor environment. The process may alsocomprise assessing the purification unit to determine maintenance needsof the purification unit, e.g., to replace a battery, cell, filter,etc., and implementing necessary maintenance to enable continuedoperation thereof.

According to yet further aspects of the present disclosure, a processfor mitigating (which can include remediating) indoor pathogenscomprises quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, an amountof total pathogens in the air and/or on surfaces within an indoorenvironment. The process also comprises sanitizing the indoorenvironment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environmentin response to determining that the indoor environment is contaminatedbased upon the results of the quantification using the bio-aerosolmonitoring system. The process also comprises installing a purificationdevice to address a contaminated area of the indoor environment, andmonitoring continuously (e.g., in a continuous manner, in an otherwiseongoing fashion, periodically, or otherwise as necessary, depending uponrequirements for purification) the indoor environment after sanitizing,for pathogens. Monitoring can persist, e.g., for weeks, months, years,indefinitely, etc. Yet further, the process comprises releasing apurifying agent, e.g., periodically or otherwise upon detectingpathogens in the indoor environment. The process also comprisesproviding periodic maintenance to the purification device to enablecontinued operation thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart that illustrates a process for pathogenmitigation according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart that illustrates another process for pathogenmitigation according to further aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates yet another process for pathogenmitigation according to further aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example process for addressing pathogenmitigation according to yet further aspects of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example indoor environment to illustrateaspects of the processes set out more fully herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for removingpathogens, mitigating pathogen recurrences, or both, where pathogens arefound to contaminate an indoor environment.

Indoor surfaces that are touched or otherwise encountered by peoplecreate opportunities for harmful contaminants that can lead to healthissues. Moreover, human contact with animals, plants, food items,microorganisms, or other articles that have contacted indoor surfacescan also create opportunities for harmful contaminants to cause healthissues. Still further, harmful contaminants can be found in the airbreathed within indoor environments.

In this regard, indoor contaminants can have significant consequencesfor businesses and industries, including but not limited to thehealthcare industry and the food industry. Such indoor contaminants canresult in major recalls and other mitigating actions that can beexceedingly costly and time consuming for the afflicted entity.

For instance, in the healthcare space, some reports state that hospitalacquired infections (HAIs) account for 1.5 million patient infectionsand 75,000 deaths during hospitalization each year, amounting to $45billion in additional costs. Major challenges include hospital patientroom and intensive care unit disinfection, and device sterilization.

While food handling and healthcare industries are especially relevant,every indoor environment may be susceptible to contaminants. Otherexample areas that can be afflicted by contamination include, withoutlimitation, nursing home facilities, daycare centers, sportingfacilities, university buildings, office buildings, call centers,pharmaceutical facilities, clean rooms, government and publicfacilities, etc.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods thatutilize one or more air purification technologies, one or more surfacepurification technologies, combinations thereof, etc., which effectivelymeasure and reduce harmful contamination, e.g., pathogens such asmicrobials, found within indoor environments. More particularly, aspectsof the present disclosure measure an indoor environment for pathogensand analyze the measurements to determine whether the indoor environmentis contaminated by one or more pathogens. If contamination by a pathogenis determined for the indoor environment based at least in part upon themeasurements, then aspects of the present disclosure provide forsanitizing the environment to address the contamination then performinga purification process. In this regard, aspects of the presentdisclosure provide for ongoing treatment by continuing the purificationprocess (e.g., over a period of time such as days, weeks, months, years,indefinitely, etc., as the application dictates) to improve the indoorenvironment, reduce the likelihood of pathogen reoccurrence, or both.Contamination detection, as well as a resulting purification processesare described more fully herein.

Other features, advantages, and objects of the disclosure will becomeapparent with reference to the following description and accompanyingdrawings.

Referring to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1 , a process 100 formitigating indoor pathogens is illustrated. The process 100 comprisesmeasuring at 102 for pathogens in an indoor environment.

For the purposes of this disclosure, an indoor environment can include,but is not limited to areas within structures or partial structures suchas dwellings, privately owned structures, commercial buildings,industrial buildings, storage facilities, public/governmental buildings,markets, or other areas where an individual or group of people go and/orcongregate. An indoor environment can also include, but is not limitedto areas within mobile structures such as containers, vessels,watercraft, over-the-road vehicles, rail vehicles, aircraft, etc.

Also, as used herein, the term “pathogen” is used generally to refer tobacteria, mold, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors,microbes, etc. However, the present disclosure also contemplates that apathogen can include anything that can, or has the potential to producean adverse effect such as illness, allergies, disease, or other negativehealth consequences to an individual exposed to the indoor environment,either directly or indirectly. For instance, a pathogen can comprise avirus, bacterium, prion, fungus, viroid, or parasite within the indoorenvironment that infects a human, animal, plant, fungus, anothermicro-organism, etc., including viable and nonviable variants, whichultimately causes or has the potential to cause an adverse effect on anindividual exposed to the indoor environment.

In an example implementation, measuring at 102 for pathogens in anindoor environment can be carried out by measuring air within orsurrounding the indoor environment, by measuring surfaces and internalareas of features found within the indoor environment, combinationsthereof, etc. As a few non-limiting but illustrative examples, anaerosol impactor or other form of air sampling device can be used tocollect a sample of the ambient air from one or more locations within anindoor environment. The sample can be collected over any time intervalas necessary to achieve a representative sampling. Moreover, thecollected air sample(s) can be collected from areas within or around theindoor environment where the air is still, or in areas where there isair movement, e.g., in ductwork or in areas near doorways for ingress oregress.

Still further, samples can be collected from surfaces such as walls,ceilings, floors, furniture, equipment, products, animals, plants, orother features within the indoor environment. Yet further, samples canbe collected from mobile items such as carts, containers, and otheritems that may be moved into and out of, the indoor environment. Also,samples can be collected from an interior of a feature. For instance,drywall located in a wall or ceiling may be pulled to reveal insulation,cladding, etc., from which one or more samples can be collected. Asstill another example, one or more samples can be collected from wateror other fluids within the indoor environment.

In an illustrative embodiment, measuring at 102 for pathogens isaccomplished using a bio-aerosol measuring system. Such a bio-aerosolmeasuring system can be used to monitor air in real time (or near realtime). As such, continuous, real-time airborne microbial monitoring canbe carried out. This avoids the need to collect samples over an extendedperiod (although extended measurements can also/alternatively be carriedout). However, the use of a bio-aerosol measuring system provides acomponent of a system that avoids a need to waste days awaiting cultureanalysis.

In a practical illustrative example implementation, an isokinetic probeis connected to a bio-aerosol monitoring system. The isokinetic probecan be used to traverse a section of ductwork within the indoorenvironment to detect entrained particles. The isokinetic probe can alsoand/or alternatively be utilized to sample ambient air within one ormore regions of the indoor environment. Depending upon the application,sampling can be based upon a volume of air drawn, time to collect asample, etc.

Yet further, sampling can be carried out by scraping a sample area,swabbing a sample area, collecting a sample into a petri dish, removingan area within the environment suspected of having a pathogen, etc. Somemeasurement devices may require that the sample is collected upon asample substrate such as a slide, tape, petri dish, etc. Yet further, acombination of surface and air sampling can be utilized to measure forpathogens in the indoor environment.

An example implementation measures an amount of total pathogens (viableand nonviable) in the air, on surfaces, combinations thereof, etc.,allowing the implementation to evaluate the needs of the indoorenvironment to be treated. In some embodiments, e.g., where measurementresults can be obtained instantaneously or otherwise within a short timeon site (e.g., minutes, to hours after collection), reports can beprovided to an owner, custodian, or entity responsible for the indoorenvironment. In some embodiments where real-time or near real timeanalysis can be carried out, real-time insight can be provided throughongoing measurements both before and after the installation ofpurification units as described more fully herein.

In some embodiments, measuring at 102 for pathogens comprises measuringfor a predetermined type of pathogen, e.g., a first pathogen. Forinstance, in some environments, a known type of undesirable pathogen canpotentially be present. In some environments, a limited number ofpathogen types may be at issue. Yet in other environments, pathogentypes may be unknown and potentially varied. Accordingly, measurementcan try to identify as many types of pathogens as within the capabilityof the measuring device.

As such, measuring at 102 can utilize knowledge of the indoorenvironment and intended uses of the indoor environment to measure for asingle type of pathogen, one or more types of pathogens, any type ofpathogen, or combinations thereof. Moreover, measuring at 102 cancomprise measuring for a first type of pathogen (or first group ofpathogen types) in the air and a second type of pathogen (or secondgroup of pathogen types) on or in a surface, measuring for a first typeof pathogen (or first group of pathogen types) in a first area and asecond type of pathogen (or second group of pathogen types) in a secondarea, combinations thereof, etc.

The process 100 also comprises analyzing at 104, the measurements toidentify whether the indoor environment is contaminated by a pathogen.The analysis can be carried out in a number of different ways. Forinstance, a determination of contamination may require the detection ofone or more pathogens (which may comprise the same or differentspecies). In an example embodiment, the presence of one or morepathogens is determined from the measurements at 102, based upondetecting particulate size, shape that is indicative of a pathogen, or acombination thereof. For instance, one strategy classifies particulatesinto categories based upon size. The classified categories are used todetermine the likelihood of a pathogen of interest.

Also, the presence of a pathogen can be identified based upon one ormore markers, measurements, etc., such as from image analysis,fluorescence, energy bands, or using other suitable detectiontechnologies. As such, the detection of a pathogen need not beunconditionally verified. Rather, in an analysis based upon particulatesize and/or shape, a high probability that a particulate is a pathogenmay be sufficient to declare that a pathogen is present for purposes ofdetermining whether the indoor environment is contaminated. Yet further,a classification of precise species of pathogen is not necessarilyrequired. For instance, it may be sufficient to know that a measuredparticulate is a form of mold, without requiring a preciseclassification. In yet further embodiments, signature detection can beused to identify, e.g., at least to a statistical significance, adetected contaminant. Thus, analysis can identify an exact species, agenus, a statistical probability that a detected particulate is apathogen, combinations thereof, etc.

Yet further, the indoor environment can be declared contaminated basedupon any number of predefined conditions. For instance, in an exampleembodiment, the indoor environment is declared contaminated if a totalpathogen count (regardless of type of pathogen) exceeds a predeterminedlevel (e.g., concentration, total count, combination thereof, etc.). Inanother example embodiment, the indoor environment is declaredcontaminated if a single particulate of a specific pathogen (e.g.,Stachybotrys chartarum) is identified.

In some embodiments, the presence of a single particulate of a pathogenmay be sufficient to determine that the indoor environment iscontaminated. In other embodiments, an indoor environment can be judgedto be contaminated based upon other metrics, e.g., exceeding apredetermined concentration of pathogens, exceeding a predeterminedquantity of pathogens over a sample or number of samples, over apredetermined period of time, or other suitable unit of measure, etc.

Continuing to reference FIG. 1 , a decision is made at 106 as to whetherthe indoor environment is contaminated. If no contamination is detected,then the process may stop at 108. In some embodiments, e.g., wherecontinued monitoring is carried out, the process may loop back tomeasure pathogens at 102 or perform some other process.

The process 100 also comprises performing at 110, a purification processin response to determining that the indoor environment is contaminated.The purification process can be utilized to stabilize, eradicate, cleanto an acceptable limit, or otherwise address the detected contaminationwithin the indoor environment.

For instance, as illustrated, the example purification process at 110comprises sanitizing at 112 at least a portion of the indoor environmentto mitigate contamination of detected pathogens. By way of illustration,sanitization includes, but is not limited to total removal of thepathogen from the environment, neutralizing the pathogen (physically,chemically, or both), or stabilizing the environment space. Forinstance, in an example implementation, neutralizing the pathogenincludes using physical means, chemical means, or both to alter ordestroy the structure of the pathogen, render the pathogen inert, renderthe pathogen nonviable, etc.

For the purposes of this disclosure, stabilizing the environmentincludes removal of the pathogen from the environment, reducing theamount of pathogens to a pre-determined threshold, or manipulating theenvironment to reduce or eliminate the effects of a pathogen. Thespecific techniques and equipment involved in the sanitization processcan vary based on the type of pathogen(s) identified during themeasurement at 102 and analysis at 104, as well as circumstances of theindoor environment.

For example, passive and active filters can be utilized in someembodiments, which utilize ozone gas or vaporized hydrogen to eliminatepathogens such as microbes or bacteria.

Some research has suggested these gases may be harmful to humans iftheir exposure to these gases rises above certain levels cited by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thus, in some embodiments, e.g.,where humans will be in the indoor environment during sanitizing,stabilizing the indoor environment comprises using hydrogen peroxide gasand/or bi-polar ionization to eliminate pathogens, without causing harmor irritation to the surrounding people. This approach may have thebeneficial side effect of diffusing into cracks and crevices in thatenvironment to increase the effectiveness of the sanitization.

Thus, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the processcomprises deploying charged ions and hydrogen peroxide gas that attackpathogens (which may include rendering such pathogens non-viable, inert,etc.). Such charged ions and hydrogen peroxide gas in some embodiments,diffuses into cracks and crevices. Some embodiments may even utilizecharged ions and hydrogen peroxide gas that diffuses through permeablewalls.

Such an approach enables humans to be present while such systems areworking. Moreover, such systems can reduce air and surface contaminants,e.g., by up to 99.9%.

The purification process at 110 also comprises selecting at 114, apurification unit for the indoor environment to mitigate contaminationcaused by the detected pathogens. For the purposes of this disclosure,mitigation can include one or more of prevention, elimination,collection, entrapment, neutralization, removal, as well as thedisclosed items under sanitizing at 112. The type, size, and number ofpurification unit(s) selected are influenced by the aforementionedanalysis (and optional identification) at 104 of the encounteredpathogen(s). An example type of purification unit that can be utilizedhere is a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier, which iseffective at trapping mold and bacteria. Another example type ofpurification unit is an active carbon system which is effective againstchemical emissions, VOCs, and gases by collecting and trapping thoseparticulates. Alternatively, ultraviolet (UV) systems can be utilized tokill bacteria and viruses rather than trapping them. This disclosurecontemplates using these systems independently or in combination withone another.

The type and location of the environment may also aid in determiningwhich purification unit to select. For example, hospitals and healthcarefacilities are susceptible to pathogens such as Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph), andlegionnaire's disease. Grocers, restaurants, and food industryprofessionals are susceptible to biofilms, Listeria, Salmonella, E.Coli, and VOCs like ethylene gas which breaks down and prematurelyripens produce. Some research suggests that oxygen, carbon dioxide, andother chemical levels in the environment may have significant effects onripening of produce. As a result, a peroxide formula can be used topotentially reduce the amount of ethylene gas, thereby reducing the rateof ripening of produce (which would be beneficial for grocery stores,markets, etc.) Further, a peroxide formula described herein can be usedto reduce the levels of methane gas in environments, making the presentprocess beneficial in environments such as facilities that houselivestock, and other applications that generate methane gas. Thereduction in methane is particularly useful in locations that havegovernment regulated methane level requirements.

Example purification units can comprise a continuous infectiousmicrobial reduction device which continuously disinfects viruses,bacteria, mold, and other fungi by producing 0.02 parts per million(ppm) of hydrogen peroxide gas from oxygen and water vapor in the air.By way of example, a purification unit can create hydrogen peroxide gas,e.g., in an amount of 0.02 ppm, from the oxygen and humidity already inthe air. The hydrogen peroxide gas is then supplied to an affected area.In this manner, the hydrogen peroxide gas diffuses into the affectedarea, disinfecting present microbes. In some embodiments, positive airpressure devices can disperse or otherwise affect flow of the hydrogenperoxide gas. Another example purification device comprises a proactivesurface and air purification system.

Further referencing FIG. 1 , the purification process at 110 furthercomprises placing at 116 the purification unit (or units) in order totreat a predetermined area of the indoor environment. Determination forthe locational placement of the purification unit (or units) will varybased on a variety of factors such as structure of the environmentand/or size of the environment. One example embodiment comprises placingthe purification unit(s) in an indoor environment's heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) distribution system. Placementin the HVAC distribution system allows the purification unit to operate,monitor, and influence a larger area, or an indoor environment whichcontains multiple separate spaces. An alternate example embodimentutilizes each purification unit as a stand-alone device. Benefits of astand-alone unit include portability, ease of installation/placement,and ease of maintenance. This disclosure contemplates using theseplacement options both independently or in combination with one another.Once the purification unit has been placed in the environment, the unitis activated. Excluding loss of power/electricity, or intentionalshutoff of the purification unit, the purification unit is in operationindefinitely in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, thepurification unit is in operation at select times or for a predeterminedduration.

In an example implementation, such purification systems provide 24-hour,365-day protection and prevention from pathogens such as bacteria, mold,virus, and VOCs. As such, the purification units continue working toattack microbes continuously as they are introduced.

Moreover, certain aspects provide monitoring of indoor environments,allowing a user to view contaminant levels in real-time (or nearreal-time, e.g., within minutes or hours of sample collection), thusproviding ongoing documentation of their environment. In someembodiments, a graphical user interface to a system, e.g., via a webportal, app on a smart device, directly on one or more of theabove-described hardware components, etc., provides user interaction andup-to-date monitoring. In other embodiments, reports and other monitorreporting are generated by the system and are delivered to a user. Inthis regard, sensor and data collection features can be used to collectdata for local analysis, or the collected data can be communicated,e.g., via wired or wireless connectivity, to a remote computer, e.g.,cloud-based processing system including a server computer.

In an additional embodiment of the disclosure, the purification unitassess its maintenance status by running self-diagnostics on itselfand/or an external device collects diagnostic information with regard tothe purification unit. The diagnostics may assess items such as healthof the filters, battery power, and/or health of the components.According to some embodiments, in the event the diagnostics detect anevent or events indicative of the need for maintenance, an alert isgenerated, e.g., to contact a specific person or entity, toautomatically schedule a service call, etc. The contacted entity mayinclude the purification unit manufacturer, the entity using thepurification unit, the placer/installer of the purification unit, or acombination thereof.

The purification process at 110 further comprises monitoring at 118 theenvironment by measuring and analyzing for pathogens in the indoorenvironment. Monitoring can persist, e.g., for weeks, months, years,indefinitely, etc. While the purification unit is operating, the indoorenvironment is monitored for pathogens, e.g., by measuring and analyzingthe environment for pathogens utilizing the same principles describedwith reference to measuring at 102 and analyzing at 104 disclosed above,or by using different techniques.

This may comprise measuring and analyzing for the same type of pathogenpreviously detected, by analyzing for a different type of pathogen thanthat previously detected, by analyzing for a predetermined set ofpathogen types, or by analyzing broadly for any pathogens.

In an example embodiment, the indoor environment is continuously (e.g.,in a continuous manner, in an otherwise ongoing fashion, periodically,or otherwise as necessary) monitored in real time. As used herein,“continuous” can comprise systematically monitoring the environment. Forthe purpose of this disclosure, systematic monitoring can includevariable monitoring. Systematically, monitoring may be continuous, atset intervals, triggered based upon events, or manually activated. Inone embodiment, a monitoring unit systematically monitors the indoorenvironment for the specific pathogen identified during the initialportions, e.g., measuring at 102 and analyzing at 104, of the process.In a different embodiment, the purification unit systematically monitorsthe environment for additional pathogens in conjunction with specificpathogens identified during the initial portions of the process, e.g.,measuring at 102 and analyzing at 104.

The purification process at 110 further decides at 120 whether apredetermined threshold is exceeded. This may be the same threshold usedto determine if the indoor environment is contaminated, or some otherthreshold, e.g., the lapse of a predetermined amount of time, a detectedpathogen, etc.

The process 100 also comprises triggering at 122 an action in responseto detecting that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded. In oneembodiment, the triggering action is the purification unit releasing achemical or formula to mitigate the situation, e.g., to mitigate thedetected pathogen, to reduce ethylene, to reduce methane, a combinationthereof, etc. In an example implementation, the process, upon detectingthat black mold has exceeded the predetermined threshold, releasesaerosolized peroxide by the purification unit to mitigate the blackmold. In another embodiment, the triggering action is the purificationunit alerting a specified entity that the pathogen level exceeds thepredetermined threshold. The specified entity may include thepurification unit manufacturer, the entity using the purification unit,the placer/installer of the purification unit, or a combination thereof.

In this regard, aspects may sanitize at 112, a first area, e.g., an areaof detected contamination, and purify at 112 and continue to monitor at118, that first area. In alternative embodiments, aspects may sanitize afirst area at 112, but purify at 116 and monitor at 118, a second area,which can encompass the first area and include additional area(s) withinthe indoor environment. Thus, the process can clean an area where actualpathogens are measured, but treat and monitor a larger area, includingthe entirety of an indoor environment.

Moreover, the sanitizing at 112 may address a first pathogen type orgroup of pathogen types, and the purification at 116 and monitoring at118 can be carried out on the same pathogen of pathogen types.Alternatively, the sanitizing at 112 may address a first pathogen typeor group of pathogen types, and the purification at 116 and monitoringat 118 can address a second pathogen type or second group of pathogentypes. In this regard, the second group of pathogen types can includethe first pathogen (or first group of pathogen types) and also includesother pathogen types. For instance, a surface may be sanitized toaddress a specific species of mold. However, the purification andmonitoring can be carried out to address the specific species of moldand other species of mold, or to treat mold and other related pathogensgenerally, etc. Yet further, any combination of the above-describedsanitizing at 112, selecting at 114, placing at 116, monitoring at 118,detecting at 120, and triggering at 122 can be carried out.

Referring to FIG. 2 , another process 200 for mitigating indoorpathogens is illustrated. In general, the process 200 can utilize any ofthe techniques, systems, structures, etc., as set out with regard to theprocess 100 of FIG. 1 , in any combination, except as otherwiseexpressly noted.

More precisely, the process 200 comprises identifying at 202, a firstoccurrence of pathogens in an indoor environment, e.g., by measuring thepathogens in the indoor environment. In some embodiments, theidentification at 202 utilizes the same techniques and methodologiesused in measuring at 102 and/or analyzing at 104 described herein withreference to the process 100.

The process 200 further comprises removing at 204, the first occurrenceof pathogen by sanitizing the indoor environment where first occurrenceof pathogen is located. In some embodiments, removal at 204 of thepathogen by sanitization utilizes the same techniques and methodologiesused in the sanitizing at 112 portion of the purification process at 110as disclosed in process 100.

The process 200 additionally comprises installing at 206 a purificationunit in the indoor environment. In some embodiments, the installation at206 of the purification unit utilizes the same techniques andmethodologies used in selecting at 114 and placing at 116 describedherein with reference to the process 100.

For instance, the process 200, and more particularly, installing at 206can further comprise placing at 208 a purification unit in a suitablelocation to mitigate pathogens within the indoor environment. In certainembodiments, the placement at 208 of the purification unit utilizes thesame techniques and methodologies used in selecting at 114 and/orplacing at 116 described herein with reference to the process 100.

The process 200 additionally comprises monitoring at 210, the indoorenvironment for a second occurrence of pathogens, e.g., by continuously(or otherwise ongoing as defined more fully herein) measuring thepathogens in the indoor environment. Monitoring can persist, e.g., forweeks, months, years, indefinitely, etc. In example embodiments,monitoring at 210 of the indoor environment utilizes the same techniquesand methodologies used in monitoring at 118 as described herein withreference to the process 100.

Also, the process 200 comprises assessing at 212, the purification unitto determine the maintenance needs of the purification unit. In anexample embodiment of the disclosure, the purification unitself-assesses a maintenance status by running self-diagnostics. In otherembodiments, an external source monitors the health of the purificationunit(s). The diagnostics may assess items such as health of the filters,battery power, and/or health of the components. In another embodiment,in the event the diagnostics detect one or more events indicative of theneed for maintenance, an alert can be generated, examples of which aredescribed more fully with reference to the process 100 of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , a process 300 for mitigating (which can includeremediating) indoor pathogens is illustrated. In general, the process300 can utilize any of the techniques, systems, structures, etc., as setout with regard to the process 100 of FIG. 1 , in any combination,except as otherwise expressly noted.

The process 300, comprises quantifying at 302, e.g., using a bio-aerosolmonitoring system, the amount of total pathogens in the air and/or onsurfaces within an indoor environment. In some embodiments, quantifyingat 302 utilizes the same techniques and methodologies used in measuringat 102 and/or analyzing at 104 as described herein with reference to theprocess 100.

In an example embodiment, quantifying at 302 is performed by using abio-aerosol monitoring system that measures the total pathogens in theair and/or on surfaces which evaluates the needs of a space whileproviding real-time insight through the ongoing measurements.

The process 300 further comprises sanitizing at 304, the indoorenvironment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environmentwhen it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated. Inexample embodiments, sanitization at 304 utilizes the same techniquesand methodologies used in analyzing at 104 and sanitizing at 112 asdescribed herein with reference to the process 100.

The process 300 additionally comprises installing at 306, a purificationdevice within the indoor environment. In some embodiments, installing at306 of the purification unit utilizes the same techniques andmethodologies used in selecting at 114 and/or placing at 116 asdescribed herein with reference to the process 100.

In an example embodiment, installation at 306 is accomplished by placinga purification device in the vicinity of a contaminated area (or byplacing purification devices throughout or in the vicinity ofcontaminated areas) of the indoor environment either as a stand-aloneunit, or via a building's HVAC distribution systems to provide ongoing,e.g., 24-hour, 365 day protection and prevention from pathogens.

The process 300 further comprises monitoring at 308 continuously (orotherwise in an ongoing manner as described more fully herein), theindoor environment, after sanitizing for pathogens. Monitoring canpersist, e.g., for weeks, months, years, indefinitely, etc. For thepurposes of this disclosure, monitoring at 308 utilizes the sametechniques and methodologies used in monitoring at 118 as describedherein with reference to the process 100.

In an embodiment, monitoring at 308 further comprises providing a viewof contaminant levels in real time. In an alternate embodiment ofmonitoring at 308, ongoing documentation regarding the indoorenvironment is given in real time. The views and/or reports areanalogous to the views and/or reports described with reference to FIG. 2.

The process 300 additionally comprises releasing at 310, a purifyingagent upon detecting pathogens in the indoor environment. In certainembodiments, releasing at 310 utilizes the same techniques andmethodologies used in triggering at 122 as described herein withreference to the process 100. In this regard, releasing a purifyingagent can also/alternatively be used to reduce levels of gas within anenvironment, e.g., ethylene, methylene, etc.

The process 300 yet further comprises providing at 312, periodicmaintenance to the purification unit. In some embodiments, providing at312 utilizes the same techniques and methodologies used in assessing at212 as described herein with reference to the process 200. In an exampleembodiment, providing at 312 comprises replacing at least one power celland one filter in the purification device.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide atotal purification solution for indoor environments by incorporatingvarious technologies, processes, and actions in an integrated anddeliberate pathogen-specific solution that is uniquely tailored to thecontamination infecting a specific indoor environment.

Systems and processes herein are configured to measure, remove, andreduce dangerous pathogens like bacteria, mold, viruses, and volatileorganic compounds (VOCs). Systems and processes herein can also preventdangerous pathogens like bacteria, mold, viruses, and volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) from recurring through ongoing service. Certainembodiments can be deployed while people are still occupying the indoorenvironment, thus allowing people to go about their daily routineswithout disruption or risk of health hazards.

Systems and processes herein enable hospitals and healthcare facilitiesto diffuse contaminants before outbreaks occur, reduce the spread MRSA,staph, legionnaires and other harmful pathogens, improve the health ofemployees and patients, reduce inventory waste, and reduce missed workdays. Grocers and restaurants can utilize the systems and processesherein to reduce or eliminate harmful biofilms, Listeria, Salmonella, E.Coli, etc., which may otherwise be present on fruits and vegetables,thus reducing waste. Yet further, systems and processes herein canreduce VOCs such as ethylene gas that breaks down and ripens produce(ex. fruit) prematurely. As such, food industry professionals canprotect food during production, transport, and storage, and extendproduct shelf life. Moreover, homeowners and families can remain healthyand safe.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a process 400 illustrates yet another processfor mitigating pathogens. In general, the process 400 can utilize any ofthe techniques, systems, structures, etc., as set out with regard to theprocess 100 of FIG. 1 , in any combination, except as otherwiseexpressly noted.

The process 400 comprises quantification and identification at 402. Inan example embodiment, a device such as a bacteria and biofilm scanner,such as a fluorescent lamp, can be used to identify a location ofcontaminants, such as biofilms, mold, bacteria, other contaminants, etc.In this regard, contaminants can be detected even on solid surfaces,using no consumables. In addition, or alternatively, a bioaerosolmonitoring device can be used as described more fully herein, e.g., withreference to FIG. 1 -FIG. 3 . Using a bioaerosol monitoring system, theprocess at 402 can measure total pathogens found in the air that areboth viable and non-viable. Additional information that can be gatheredincludes size, quantity, etc., of living airborne particulates.

The process 400 also comprises combating and reducing at 404,contaminants. For instance, the environment can be cleaned, examples ofwhich are set out more fully herein with reference to FIG. 1 -FIG. 3 .In this regard, the process 400 can use cleaning units that providevalidated results without production down time. The combat and reductionat 404 can be used to stabilize an area and reduce the risk of havingcontamination affect people, goods, products, etc.

The process 400 actively prevents at 406, the contamination fromspreading, growing, returning, or otherwise adversely affecting thearea. For instance, the process 400 installs at least one purificationdevice, e.g., as set out more fully herein with reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 3 . In example embodiments, purification devices can be installedthroughout an affected area (or areas) either as stand-alone hardware ordeployed via a building HVAC distribution system. This approach can beutilized to provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, preventativemeasures, which can prevent or otherwise reduce the risk associated withpathogens such as Listeria, E. Coli, Salmonella, mold, etc.

The process 400 monitors and maintains at 408. Monitoring can persist,e.g., for weeks, months, years, indefinitely, etc. By collecting ongoinge.g., continuous, periodic, triggered, etc., measurements and ongoingdocumentation of the environmental status in view of the process 400, anentity can monitor an indoor environment, e.g., in real-time orotherwise.

The process 400 may provide preventive measures but may or may not beable to provide complete disinfection and/or sterilization of allparticulates, depending upon the requirements and equipment used toimplement the process 400.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an example indoor environment 502 is illustratedin schematic form. The indoor environment 502 comprises an HVACdistribution system, e.g., schematically illustrated by ductwork 504 andvent 506. The indoor environment 502 also includes surfaces, e.g.,schematically illustrated by the surface 508.

Initially, measurement and analysis processes are carried out, e.g.,using a measurement and analysis device (or devices) 510 as describedmore fully with reference to FIG. 1 -FIG. 4 . For sake of clarity, ameasurement and analysis device 510 a is illustrated in the ductwork 504of an HVAC distribution system. Alternatively (or additionally), ameasurement and analysis device 510 b is positioned in a volume withinthe indoor environment 502 depending upon the application. Whileschematically shown for convenience as a single device that measures andanalyzes, in practice, measurement and analysis can be two or moredevices, which can include computers, processors, controllers, intakes,etc., as described more fully with reference to FIG. 1 -FIG. 4 above.

If the measurement and analysis device 510 identifies a contamination(schematically represented by small circles), a sanitization process iscarried out, along with the selection, placement and continued operationof one or more purification units, described more fully with referenceto FIG. 1 -FIG. 4 . For instance, as schematically illustrated,contaminants are in the ductwork 504. As such, a purification unit,e.g., purifying device 512 a, filter 514, combination thereof, etc., aredeployed in the ductwork 504. The purifying device 512 a can treat theair, surfaces, or a combination thereof, as schematically illustrated bythe solid dots surrounding the small circles (pathogens).

For sake of illustration, a second purifying device 512 b is illustratedwithin a volume of the indoor environment 502. Analogous to that above,the second purifying device 512 b can treat the air and/or surfaces 508as illustrated by the dots surrounding the small circles (pathogens).The purifying device 512 (e.g., first purifying device 512 a and secondpurifying device 512 b) can be implemented using any combination ofsanitizing and/or purifying devices described more fully herein withreference to FIG. 1 -FIG. 4 .

During monitoring, the measurement and analysis devices 510 can be thesame devices used for initial measurement and analysis, or themeasurement and analysis devices can be different for the ongoingmonitoring. In some embodiments, e.g., at set intervals, a measurementdevice 510 can be returned to take new measurements, to carry outrelatively more robust monitoring and analysis, etc., than that used forcontinued maintenance of the indoor environment. Further, duringmonitoring, the measurement and analysis devices 510 may measure andanalyze for pathogens other than the pathogen initially identified.

As noted above, reports, maintenance requests, data collection, etc.,can be carried out either locally or remotely. By way of example, one ormore of the measurement and analysis device 510 a, measurement andanalysis device 510 b, purifying device 512 a, purifying device 512 b,etc., can communicate (e.g., wired or wirelessly) across a network 520(local intranet, Internet, combination thereof, etc.). As such, a remoteserver 522 can monitor the process, determine when alerts are triggered,determine when maintenance is required, dispatch service, additionalsanitizing efforts, etc., as described more fully herein. In someembodiments, the various components communicate with themselves, e.g.,communicate locally or through the network 520, thus allowing tightcohesion between purification, monitoring, and triggering actions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Aspectsof the disclosure were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for mitigating indoor pathogens, theprocess comprising: measuring, using a pathogen measurement device, forpathogens in an indoor environment; analyzing the measurements toidentify whether the indoor environment is contaminated with a pathogen;and performing a purification process in response to determining thatthe indoor environment is contaminated, the purification processcomprising: sanitizing at least a portion of the indoor environment tomitigate contamination of detected pathogens; selecting a purificationunit for the indoor environment based upon the identified contaminationcaused by detected pathogens, wherein the purification unit is placed inorder to treat a predetermined area of the indoor environment, thepurification unit engaged to operate after sanitizing; monitoring theindoor environment by measuring for pathogens in the indoor environment;and triggering an action in response to detecting a pathogen level thatexceeds a predetermined threshold.
 2. The process of claim 1, whereinmeasuring pathogens comprises measuring an amount of pathogens in theair.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein measuring pathogens comprisesmeasuring an amount of pathogens on a surface.
 4. The process of claim3, wherein measuring for pathogens in an indoor environment comprisesusing a bio-aerosol monitoring process.
 5. The process of claim 1,wherein sanitizing at least a portion of the indoor environmentcomprises releasing charged ions and hydrogen peroxide gas targeted tothe location of detected pathogens.
 6. The process of claim 1 furthercomprising placing the selected purification unit in the indoorenvironment's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)distribution system.
 7. The process of claim 1, wherein furthercomprising placing the selected purification unit in the indoorenvironment in the form of a stand-alone device.
 8. The process of claim1, wherein: monitoring the indoor environment by measuring for pathogensin the indoor environment comprises systematically monitoring the indoorenvironment for pathogens.
 9. The process of claim 8, whereinsystematically monitoring the indoor environment for pathogens comprisessystematically monitoring the indoor environment for pathogens otherthan the detected pathogen that had previously contaminated the indoorenvironment.
 10. The process of claim 9, wherein selecting apurification unit comprises selecting a purification unit based on thedetected pathogen and the pathogens other than the detected pathogen.11. The process of claim 1 further comprising: communicating, wirelesslyover a network, between the pathogen measurement device and a remoteserver; and communicating, wirelessly over the network, between theselected purification device and the remote server.
 12. The process ofclaim 1 further comprising: communicating, wirelessly over a network,between the pathogen measurement device and the selected purificationdevice.
 13. The process of claim 1, wherein triggering an action inresponse to detecting a pathogen level that exceeds a predeterminedthreshold comprises releasing a chemical to mitigate the detectedpathogens.
 14. The process of claim 1, further comprising: assessing thepurification unit to determine maintenance needs by running componentdiagnostics on the purification unit; and alerting a specified partywhen a component needs to be replaced.
 15. A process for mitigatingindoor pathogens, the process comprising: quantifying, using abio-aerosol monitoring system, an amount of total pathogens in the airand/or on surfaces within an indoor environment; sanitizing the indoorenvironment with portable equipment to stabilize the indoor environmentwhen it is determined that the indoor environment is contaminated;installing a purification device to address a contaminated area of theindoor environment; monitoring continuously, the indoor environmentafter sanitizing, for pathogens; releasing a purifying agent upondetecting pathogens in the indoor environment; and providing periodicmaintenance to the purification device.
 16. The process of claim 15,wherein: quantifying, using a bio-aerosol monitoring system, the amountof total pathogens in the air and on surfaces further comprisesevaluating the needs of a treated space; and providing real-time insightthrough ongoing measurements.
 17. The process of claim 15, wherein:installing purification devices throughout contaminated areas of theindoor environment comprises installing either a standalone hardwaresystem or system deployed via a building's heating, ventilation, and airconditioning distribution systems to provide 24-hour, 365-day protectionand prevention from pathogens comprising at least one of bacteria, mold,virus, and volatile organic compounds.
 18. The process of claim 15,wherein: monitoring continuously, the indoor environment aftersanitizing, for pathogens comprises providing a view of contaminantlevels in real time.
 19. The process of claim 15, wherein: monitoringcontinuously, the indoor environment after sanitizing, for pathogenscomprises providing ongoing documentation of the indoor environment.